Immaculate Conception Basilica in Batangas remains closed to devotees

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City was closed due to damages caused by the recent earthquakes that hit the province, GMA News' Athena Imperial on "24 Oras" on Wednesday.

The directive was issued to ensure the safety of the churchgoers.

According to a story posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website, one of oldest churches in the province had to be closed so that authorities can conduct structural checks on the church.

Masses were celebrated outdoors, particularly at the Plaza Mabini.

In a statement, the parish said the basilica was closed upon the recommendation of the Batangas City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

Also damaged by the earthquake was the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours in Taal, Batangas.

Meanwhile, some devotees flocked to Montemaria in Barangay Pagkilatan wherein they visited two chapels, the Kapilya ni Sto Niño and Kapilya ni Santo Papa Juan Pablo II.

"Bisita Iglesia talaga una sa amin this Holy Week... Konting sakripisyo na rin," one devotee said.

"Nag-uusap-usap muna kami kung alin ang aming choice. Pagkatapos 'yung mapagkakaisahan namin, 'yun ang aming pupuntahan," another devotee said.

Four earthquakes, including one with a magnitude of 6.0, struck Luzon on Saturday afternoon, with a town in Batangas province feeling a jolt of Intensity 7.

The province was hit by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake last Tuesday, the 4th of April. — Anna Felicia Bajo/GMA News